Studies on the adsorption of selected polychlorinated biphenyl isomers on several surfaces

Abstract

The adsorption‐desorption characteristics of three selected PCB isomers on a soil and some of its constituents have been determined. The extent of adsorption for all surfaces follows the sequence hexachloro > tetrachloro > dichloro for the isomers chosen. For an individual isomer, the adsorption rates increase in the following sequence: Del Monte sand, illite clay, Woodburn soil, and humic acid. These results are discussed relative to environmental transport of the chemicals.